Enjoy the many facets of the White Isle: watch the famous Ibiza sunset, board a boat, spend time in Dalt Vila, take a long, lazy beach lunch, ride the waves at Surf Lounge, browse the Las Dalias Hippy Market or lounge on a day bed at Nikki Beach.

A multicultural past has turned this tiny island into an authentic cosmopolitan hub, which has retained much of its authentic rural essence. Its reputation as a club-goer’s paradise is a given, attracting millions of music and party-hungry guests for the majority of the summer months, but Ibiza has a magical soul that goes much further than the radiating noise of its world-famous nightclubs.

Breathtaking coastal and countryside landscapes, a rich and varied history, there’s a far quieter side to Ibiza, a beautiful and small island off the coast of mainland Spain.

Exploration

ABOVE: In 1999 UNESCO recognized Ibiza as a cultural gemand Dalt Vila (Old Town)was declared a World Heritage site

The reality of Ibiza is not one that most imagine. An important trading port in the eighth century BC, the Balearic island – formerly known as Ibosim, the island of the god Bes – has been invaded by Romans, Arabs and Byzantines, among others in its time.

The history of Ibiza and Formentera is a cultural blend. The Pitiuses – habitual residents, as they are commonly referred to – have received visitors from all over the Mediterranean even before our era. It’s this diversity that can still be felt today.

Prehistoric tombs, rock paintings and utensils have been found buried in the island’s soil, and the pine trees that guided the Greeks to the shore in 700 BC still dominate the land today. It was these travelers who named the islands the “Pitiusas,” meaning the pine islands.

The Essentials

SeasonApril-September

AirportAeroport d’Eivissa (IBZ)

Boat Coordinates38° 59′ 28.00” N 001° 34′ 11.00” E

Time ZoneGMT +1

CurrencyEuros

LanguageEnglish, Spanish, German, French

Electrics220-240 Volts, 50Hz

However, it was the 1960s that brought the hippies who began to colonize Ibiza and set creative roots. Following the death of General Franco in 1975, Ibiza was returned to a Catalan speaking territory and the popularity of the island continued to grow. It soon became a major European holiday destination and, as a result, development soared. In 1999, UNESCO recognized Ibiza as a cultural gem, and Dalt Vila (Old Town) was declared a world heritage site.

What we’ve got

Ibiza is teeming with excitement. From enticing day trips, fun adventures and watersports, the options are both wide and varied.

But perhaps it’s life outside of the famous nightclubs and bars of the Sant Antoni (San Antonio) strip that captures the true Ibiza.

Discovery

ABOVE:

You say Ibiza. The correct pronunciation of the island’s name is ‘Evissa’. The settlers who founded the island originally named it ‘Ibozzim’ and dedicated the island to Bes, the god of music and dance.

If a slower-paced Balearic isle is what you’re after, Ibiza can deliver. Winding country lanes and whitewashed hamlets, secluded crescent coves, pine-covered cliffs, wild orchids, olive groves and almond trees – it’s the Ibiza few take the time to see. Most of the island’s famous beaches and main towns – including the infamous nightlife of Sant Antoni (San Antonio) – are located in the south and west. However, beyond the southern borders – in the east, and sparsely populated north – things slow down.

Take to the roads and drive past the giant banners advertising all-night raves and head for the east coast, home of Nikki Beach Ibiza. Explore sleepy and beautifully picturesque hamlets, quaint villages and pleasing scenery.

One of the island’s most magical sights has to be sunrise over Es Vedra, the iconic 400m-high rock that soars up from the sea, just off the west coast.

For those feeling adventurous, and fit, it is possible to circumnavigate the island’s 200km shoreline by kayak. It takes around a week and many companies offer guided tours. For a shorter trip, many beaches offer the perfect destination for a visit by boat. The rich marine life attracts divers, while the island’s magnificent lakes and shimmering salt flats are popular with both peregrine falcons and beautiful flamingos.